The National Food Agency, together with the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), ensures that the distribution of food aid in the form of rice and cooking oil continues to run optimally in various regions.
The Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilization of Bapanas, I Gusti Ketut Astawa, explained that the extension of food social assistance is an important instrument in maintaining price stability in the market, especially for cooking oil and rice.
“To anticipate the increase in cooking oil prices, we have instructed Bulog (Logistics Agency) to immediately distribute food aid, as the realization rate has been approximately 34 percent. Finally, during a coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, it was decided to extend the food aid program until June,” said Ketut.
According to him, the accelerated distribution of food aid is being done to ensure that people continue to have access to basic necessities at affordable prices. Furthermore, the distribution of Minyakita is being expanded to ensure more equitable distribution of subsidized cooking oil and greater accessibility for the public.
Ketut emphasized that the food aid program plays a strategic role in maintaining public purchasing power and suppressing price fluctuations in the market. Therefore, the government continues to strengthen cross-sector coordination to ensure that aid distribution is targeted and timely.
Meanwhile, Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said additional food aid was deemed crucial to anticipate the impact of extreme El Niño, which could potentially impact national food production and distribution.
“Yesterday’s hearing with Commission IV approved an additional food aid program for the coming period,” Rizal said.
He explained that Bulog continues to strengthen government food reserves and ensure national staple food stocks remain secure. This step is being taken to prevent the public from being significantly impacted by potential supply disruptions due to weather changes or global dynamics.
The government considers the sustainability of food social assistance to be concrete evidence of the state’s role in maintaining national food security and protecting the public, especially vulnerable groups. With continued expansion of distribution, it is hoped that the public will continue to be able to meet basic needs adequately and affordably.
In addition to maintaining price stability, this program is also expected to strengthen social and economic resilience amidst the ongoing dynamic global challenges. The government is optimistic that through synergy between Bapanas, Bulog, and various related parties, the national supply of rice and cooking oil will be maintained, allowing people to carry out their daily activities more calmly and productively.